Description

Utterly capable.

There are few bikes on the market that have as strong a history with hard charging riders as the Nomad. And while the Santa Cruz Nomad X01 Complete Mountain Bike may be the value-oriented option out of the lineup, you’ll forget that fact the moment it hits dirt. Now in its third generation, the 27.5 inch wheeled equipped trail slayer is even more aggressive than its predecessors, which translates into added confidence when you’re tackling the hairiest terrain you dare to ride.

The Nomad’s VPP suspension platform has been considerably improved as compared to the previous version, with particular focus being paid to improving mid-stroke support, as well as off-the-top small bump compliance. Much as it always has, it still maintains the snappy pedaling that’s essential for piloting a long-travel bike to the top of your favorite runs. At the heart of VPP is two aluminum counter-rotating links. The upper-link, borrowed from the V10, provides most of the rotation as the bike compresses into the sag point. This yields a vertical wheel path, which is responsible for the firm pedaling feel.

As the bike compresses deeper into the suspension, the lower-link activates, moving the axle path rearward. The rearward axle path enables the rear wheel to travel out of the way of impacts. This affords you extra margin for error when you’re experimenting with the ragged edge of control. It’s a design that’s well matched by the incredibly capable
Rockshox Monarch Plus RC3 DebonAir rear shock, which has been redesigned to
offer even better small-bump compliance than its predecessor. And you'll find the same collet-style pivot hardware that's become standard for Santa Cruz's suspension bikes. This means that your pivots stay tight, and are easily serviceable by home mechanics.

Santa Cruz's industry-leading carbon fiber construction is on display here as well. Both the front and rear triangles are constructed as a whole, rather than bonding them together from sub-assemblies. With this process, the fibers remain uninterrupted by seams, maximizing strength on an already notoriously bulletproof frame. Additionally, the inside of the tubes have the same perfectly smooth finish as the outside thanks to maximum the compaction of the layers. The benefit is that it's lighter, because any excess epoxy is squeezed from the frame prior to curing. And testing has proven that this provides the ideal degree of compaction, further enhancing frame strength.

As compared to previous iterations of the Nomad, it’s safe to say that this is the most aggressive version yet. The head angle has been relaxed to an ultra-stable 65 degrees. Rear wheel travel has been increased to 165mm. By doing away with the need for a front derailleur, the chainstays have been shortened to a highly responsive 17.1 inches—no small feat when considering that the wheel size has grown to 27.5 inches. In keeping with modern bike fit, the reach measurements have grown by a full inch per size to provide adequate reach with today’s shorter stems. The result is a bike that’s most at home charging full-bore into hair-raising terrain. And while it yields stability traditionally reserved for downhill bikes, the 6.2 pound frame weight, combined with steeper seat tube angles, means that it’s surprisingly pleasant to pedal back up for another lap.

As you probably guessed, the X01 AM build features SRAM's 11-speed X01 groupset. By using a massive 10-42 cassette, you're able to get a gearing range that's similar to a traditional double chainring drivetrain, without the need for a front derailleur. Suspension duties are handled by Rock Shox, with a Pike RCT3 up front, and a Monarch Plus RTC3 out back. This has become perhaps our favorite suspension package for aggressive use, thanks to the combination of controlled stroke, and plush feel. Stopping is provided by Shimano’s proven XT brakeset. You'll find a Race Face SIXC carbon fiber handlebar, held in place with a Race Face Atlas stem. The staff favorite Rockshox Reverb Stealth six inch dropper post puts control of your saddle height at your fingertips. Rounding out the build kit is a hand built wheelset comprised of DT's legendary 350 hubs laced with DT spokes to WTB i23 tubeless compatible rims. They're wrapped in Maxxis High Roller II tires, which have developed a loyal following for their fast rolling and incredible grip across a broad range of trail conditions.

The Santa Cruz Nomad X01 Complete Mountain Bike is available in four sizes, from Small, to X-Large, and in the colors Matte Black/gloss black, and Turquoise/pink.

Here's what others have to say...

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Seriously......It does it all.

Comment on Kyle K's photo:

Unbelievable ride

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

I ride the stock X01 build with pike fork and debonair rear. This bike is just an incredible ride. My previous all-mountain ride had 180mm travel but the Nomad (with 15mm less travel than I'm accustomed to) is SO much more aggressive. I recommend the Nomad with total confidence. Climbs as good as anything in it's class and is flat out amazing on the down.

Comment on stuckify's review:

One Quiver Bike.

I have the X01 build Nomad with a Vivid Air on the Back instead of the Monarch DebonAir, with the Santa Cruz Carbon bars as well. This bike to put it simply just wants to fly it's been a great bike on and for everything. When buying the bike I was a little skeptical of it's climb ability due to the slack head angle of the bike but to my surprise this thing bombs up the uphills almost as fast as the downs, with the 27.5in wheel base I find those techy uphill sections a breeze along with the longer wheelbase then I did on my 26incher XC bike. And on the downhill the supple Pike RCT3 provides the perfect compliment to the Vivid Air on the rear allowing me to fly through those rough sections with the control I need to fire into the berms, this bike to me is the best thing that's happened to my mountain bike riding and it's the only one I need whether it be for those long XC days or those lazy lift days I'll always be reaching for my Nomad. Bike weight is 28lbs (Picture taken at Slick Rock trail in Moab UT) Also I'm 6'4" and the XL fits me great.

Comment on Kyle K's photo:

An Enduro Machine!

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

This spring I got a chance to take this bike for a spin in Demo Forest, Santa Cruz's back yard. WOW! If I had to describe this bike, I'd call it a cross country downhill bike. I've nicknamed it the unicorn bike because it shouldn't exist (and maybe the color). I spend a week in British Columbia racing BC bike race not too long ago and a rider on this bike passed me on both climbs and descents- I was racing in the top 10% (top 5% in Enduro category). I was on an XC race bike. This wouldn't be my top choice for racing uphill, but it does pedal better than anything else in its category. This will definitely be my next bike- along with a 29 hardtail for racing.

If you have any questions or would like to place an order feel free to reach out to me direct. My number here is 801-736-6396 x 5630 or email adewitt@competitivecyclist.com

Comment on Adam D's review:

very impressive!

Gender:
Male

I have had the opportunity of riding this bike several times and I must say I love the ride quality. The downfall of a lot of all mountain bikes is that they can be cumbersome-especially when it comes to climbing. Not this mountain goat! It climbs the stairway to heaven as well as it bombs down hill. This is largely due to the lighter frame and slack angles. Definitely an all day bike. Comparing it to the Bronson its a no brainer on which cream rises to the top. I would highly recommend this bike and its sure to make you an enduro winning machine!

If you have specific questions on the bike feel free to reach out to me direct at 801-736-6396 x 4074 or wbranham@competitivecyclist.com

Comment on WesBr's review:

Believe the hype!

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

This bike is insane! I am coming off a 2011 nomad and i am a bit surprised how much better this bike is in every way. I am not sure if it due to the new wheel size, slacker angles, or what but this bike is insanely fast down hill and climbs much better than my older nomad. The only issue i have had to adjust to is the super low bottom bracket height causing pedal strikes at unexpected times. I have learned to be aware of this, but i still occasionally drill a rock in places i thought i had plenty of clearance.

Comment on JoseAntonioFlores's review:

How does the Nomad compare to the Bronson?...

How does the Nomad compare to the Bronson? Which one is considered more trail vs enduro/all mountain. I guess I'm wondering what the major differences are besides the shorter chain stays and Rock Shox vs Fox.